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Highlights 2017-18

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Foreign Policy White Paper

The Foreign Policy White Paper provides a strategic framework to advance Australia’s security and prosperity in a contested and competitive world over the next decade.

Exceptional year for trade negotiators and lawyers

TPP-11 – Successfully negotiated the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11), the most significant global trade deal in over two decades.

Tobacco - Defended Australia’s right to regulate to protect public health through our comprehensive victory in four disputes against Australia’s tobacco plain packaging measures.

European Union Free Trade Agreement - Launched FTA negotiations with the EU, Australia's second largest trading partner.

Timor-Leste Maritime Boundary Treaty

The Maritime Boundary Treaty settled a long-running dispute, delimiting our maritime boundaries, and laying the foundation for a new chapter in our relationship.

United Nations Human Rights Council

Australia elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the world’s peak body for promoting and protecting human rights, to serve an inaugural three-year term.

ASEAN–Australia Special Summit

The inaugural ASEAN–Australia Special Summit elevated Australia’s strategic partnership with ASEAN and enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism, maritime issues, cyber affairs, infrastructure and digital trade.

Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security

Launched the $300 million Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security which improves the capacity of regional health systems to help prevent epidemics, strengthen early detection, and support rapid, effective responses to disease outbreaks.

Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme

Our new Pacific Labour Scheme will allow workers in our region to take up low and semi-skilled work in rural and regional Australia.

International Cyber Engagement Strategy

Our Cyber Engagement Strategy is promoting an open, free and secure internet that drives growth, protects national security and fosters international stability.

Aid for trade

Aid for trade comprised 22.4% of the aid program, surpassing the strategic target of 20%.

Innovation and Diversity

Recognised for our:

  • Women in Leadership Strategy – Winner, Gender Equality Award (APSC)
  • Tupaia (real-time mobile health data) – Winner, Public Sector Innovation Award in Digital Data (IPAA)
  • Indigenous Supplier Diversity strategy – Finalist, Government Supplier of the Year (Supply Nation)